Kickstarter, the popular crowdfunding platform, is implementing a new policy that requires projects using generative AI tools to disclose more information. This move comes as Kickstarter seeks to navigate the ongoing debate surrounding generative AI, which has been a challenge for the platform to address the concerns of all parties involved.
Many AI tools utilize publicly available images and text from the Web, leading developers to argue that they are protected by the fair use doctrine. However, Content creators, especially those whose AI-generated Content is monetized, may have different viewpoints. To bring clarity and transparency to the issue, Kickstarter is mandating that projects using AI tools reveal details about how the AI content will be used, distinguish original versus AI-generated components, and provide information on the sources of training data and how consent and credit are managed. This new policy is set to take effect on August 29.
Kickstarter’s objective is to ensure that projects funded through their platform involve human creative input and properly credit and obtain permission for artists’ work. The requirement for transparency and specificity regarding the use of AI tools aims to build trust and set projects up for success. However, it’s important to note that this policy will not apply retroactively to projects submitted before August 29. While some AI vendors offer opt-out mechanisms, Kickstarter’s training data disclosure rule might still raise contention, despite efforts by the European Union and others to establish such practices in law.
